Approximately two hours from Cape Town, visitors will find Hermanus. This quaint destination spot, located near the most southerly point on the continent, is considered to be a major tourist location due to the fact that it perhaps the best place in the entire world for whale watching. In particular, Hermanus is known for being an excellent location catch sight of the Southern Right Whale. When planning a visit for whale watching, keep in mind that peak times to catch sight of these beautiful sea creatures is from August to November. By December, whale watching opportunities usually begin to taper off. The cliff path that stretches the length of Hermanus offers the perfect opportunity for daily sightings during this time period.
Along the 12 km long cliff path, whale watchers will have plenty of opportunity to see these gentle giants close up in the breakers as well as the coves which are situated just below the path. In addition, there are numerous telescopes conveniently situated near the Old Harbour Museum; providing even more opportunities to catch sight of whales as dolphins at close range. The only Whale Crier in the entire world makes his rounds in Hermanus each and every day to inform visitors about the best sights to view whales.
There are actually several excellent spots in Hermanus for whale watching including De Kelders, Kleinmond and Betty's Bay. De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the favorite calving spots for the whales and as a result, the largest population of whales is frequently located there.
The most frequently spotted whales near the coastal areas are the Southern Right whales. These whales have been protected since 1935. These whales can be distinguished from other types of whales by their blow, which is v-shaped. Generally, the Southern Right whales begin arriving in the local area in the month of May so they can calve in the shallow waters. Byrde's whales; however, make their home year around.
While Hermanus has become a major tourist destination in recent years, it has still managed to retain the atmosphere of a small fishing village. In addition to excellent accommodation options, visitors will also find a number of events and festivals throughout the year which keep the town busy.
Certainly whale watching is the most popular attraction in Hermanus; however, there are also plenty of other activities and attractions including a tour that will take you through the township as well as wine-tasting, sea-kayaking and even the chance to cage dive with great white sharks on Dyer Island, which is located nearby.
In addition, the Village Square Shopping Centre provides plenty of opportunity to shop, meet for a drink or enjoy a wonderful gourmet meal at one of the restaurants located in the piazza. Many of the local events and festivals are also staged here, including the Music Festival as well as the Whale Festival.
From whale watching to shopping and dining, Hermanus offers plenty activities and attractions for visitors interested in soaking up the local beauty.
Picture this... a warm summer afternoon on a boat in a gentle rolling ocean. A cooling breeze softly massages your face where you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away... the sound of the boat's engine begins to fade and finally stops. The boat, like you, is drifting over the waves and following the breeze. It's very peaceful and calm and after a stressful week at work you finally feel in harmony with the world.
Then something explodes... out of the water... and only a few feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback... the length of a large house... it breaches... and in another second is gone. And you're left in disbelief and wonder. And it's just the start of your whale watching!
While whales are scattered throughout the world there's only a handful of accessible locations to view them in their natural environment. The coastal waters of New England and the west coast of North America are prime locations for whale watching. Hawaii and South Africa are also superb locations to spot whales, as are the ocean waters around New Zealand. So if a vacation or trip takes you to any of these areas make sure you book a cruise and take in the biggest show on earth.
Here's five things to remember to ensure you have an enjoyable whale watch.
PLAN YOUR WHALE WATCHING TRIP
It may seem obvious but book in advance for your trip to avoid long lines or even disappointment. Usually at least one week before the trip is recommended. Whale watching cruises can last anywhere from 3 hours to 41/2 hours, and the length depends on how long it takes to find the whales. If you're easily bored staring at the open ocean then take along a novel or your iPod, or something to entertain young children if they're part of your group. While most boats are equipped with a place to buy food and drink they don't usually mind you taking your own pack lunch or snacks to keep the costs down.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCH CRUISE
I've two criteria when I choose a whale watch cruise company. How long have they been in business and does it have whale experts on staff? You can usually uncover this information by checking out their web site or calling them.
Most whale watch boats use sophisticated sonar and communications equipment to find the whales, but as I'm not an expert in equipment I look to see if a company has a history of organizing whale watch trips. Good experience is usually a sign they're doing something right and a safe bet. I also like to see at least one scientist or naturalist on the crew narrating the tour, as having a knowledgeable authority provides a better understanding of what you're seeing.
CHECK FOR A WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE
It happens occasionally you don't get to see a whale. These mammals are unpredictable, and while the captain will make every effort to uncover their location, some days they're nowhere to be found. So make sure you book on a cruise that offers a guarantee sighting or you get to cruise again for free. Offering a guarantee is another good sign of a confident and experienced whale watch company.
WHALE WATCHING IS DONE ON THE OPEN OCEAN.
Experienced whale watch cruise companies do not go out in rough seas, but the whale feeding grounds are normally miles from land in the open ocean. Even at the height of summer the open sea can still be choppy, and so if you suffer with motion sickness then take something about an hour before you board the cruise.
QUICK CHECK OF WHALE WATCHING EQUIPMENT.
Recommended things to bring on your whale watch are a camera and plenty of film or memory cards. Take or borrow a pair of binoculars, as whales many times surface yards from the boat, and having binoculars will provide close up views other passengers just won't get.
As for clothing, wear sneakers or something rubber-soled for good traction on a wet and slippery deck. And take sunscreen, sunglasses, and if it's got a tie strap - a hat. Because of the breeze on open water take a sweatshirt just in case of temperature drop, especially for a late afternoon trip. The boats will go out in the rain, so if you've got a poncho pack it as well. I put most of my whale watch necessities in a small fanny pack.
Whales are mesmerizing mammals that've traveled thousands of miles to feed in their playground coastal waters. They don't stay for long so go ahead and book your whale watch adventure and prepare for the biggest show on earth.
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